Duragesic Forte tablet is often used to relieve pain and muscle spasms associated with musculoskeletal conditions. The following are some common and off-label uses of Duragesic Forte tablets:

Common Uses of Duragesic Forte Tablet

  1. Muscle Spasms: Duragesic forte tablet is often used to relieve muscle spasms, which are involuntary contractions of muscles that can cause pain and discomfort.
  2. Musculoskeletal Pain: Duragesic forte tablet is indicated for the relief of musculoskeletal pain, which can arise from various conditions such as strains, sprains, and other injuries.
  3. Tension Headaches: The use of Duragesic forte tablet as a muscle relaxant, can be beneficial in treating tension headaches, which often involve muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
  4. Postoperative Pain: Duragesic forte tablet may be used to manage pain and muscle discomfort after surgery, particularly in cases where muscle tension or spasms are contributing to the pain.
  5. Joint Pain and Stiffness: Duragesic forte tablets can be used to alleviate pain and stiffness associated with conditions like arthritis or other joint disorders.
  6. Back Pain: Duragesic forte tablet can be effective in providing relief from back pain, especially when muscle tension or spasms are contributing to the discomfort.
  7. Fibromyalgia: In some cases, Duragesic forte tablet may be used for individuals with fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and tenderness.
  8. Other Musculoskeletal Conditions: Duragesic forte tablets may also be used in other specific musculoskeletal conditions as determined by a healthcare provider.

Off-label Uses of Duragesic Forte Tablet

  1. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Duragesic forte tablet may be considered for individuals with TMJ disorders, as it can help relax the jaw muscles and alleviate pain associated with this condition.
  2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: In certain situations, it may be used to help manage pain and discomfort associated with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly when muscle tension or spasms are contributing to the pain.
  3. Chronic Pain Conditions: Duragesic forte tablet may be prescribed for certain chronic pain conditions where muscle tension or spasms are contributing to the discomfort.
  4. Neck and Shoulder Pain: In cases of neck and shoulder pain, particularly when muscle tension is a significant factor, Duragesic forte tablet may be considered.
  5. Tension-Type Headaches: While primarily used for musculoskeletal pain, the muscle relaxant properties of Duragesic forte tablet may be beneficial in some cases of tension-type headaches.
  6. Other Painful Conditions with a Musculoskeletal Component: Duragesic forte tablet may be considered in other specific painful conditions where muscle tension or spasms play a significant role, as determined by a healthcare provider.
Duragesic Forte Tablet Uses and Indications

What is Duragesic Forte?

Duragesic Forte is a combination of Paracetamol and orphenadrine Citrate, manufactured and marketed by Tabros Pharma.

Duragesic Forte Tablet’s Alternatives : Other Similar Brands

The following are some alternative brands of Duragesic Forte and their manufacturers.

  • Nuberol Forte : Searl Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.
  • Wilgesic : Wilson’s Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.
  • Provas N Forte : Sami Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Sinaxamol : AGP Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.
  • Rifinah : Pacific Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.
  • Simgesic : Cell Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Acetofen : Shaigan Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.
  • Medigesic : Wilshire Laboratories, Pakistan.
  • Citrogesic : Standpharm (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Anagesic : Mass Pharma (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Furagesic Forte : Available Formulations and Strengths

Presently, Duragesic forte is available in Tablets form with the following strengths.

  • Duragesic Forte Tablet : Paracetamol 650mg, Orphenadrine Citrate 50mg strengths.

Who Should Not Use Duragesic Forte? – Contraindications

  1. Hypersensitivity or Allergy: Individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to Paracetamol, Orphenadrine, or any of the other ingredients in Duragesic Forte tablet should not use it.
  2. Glaucoma: Duragesic Forte tablet is contraindicated in individuals with narrow-angle glaucoma, a condition where there is increased pressure in the eye.
  3. Urinary Retention: Duragesic Forte tablet is contraindicated in individuals with urinary retention, a condition where the bladder cannot empty fully.
  4. Gastrointestinal Obstruction: Duragesic Forte tablet should not be used in cases of gastrointestinal obstruction, a condition where there is a blockage in the digestive tract.
  5. Obstructive Uropathy: Duragesic Forte tablet is contraindicated in individuals with obstructive uropathy, a condition where there is a blockage in the urinary tract.
  6. Severe Cardiac Disease: It should be avoided in individuals with severe cardiac disease, especially in cases where tachycardia (rapid heart rate) would be detrimental.
  7. Severe Liver or Kidney Disease: Individuals with severe liver or kidney disease should not use Duragesic Forte tablets as its ingredients, Paracetamol and Orphenadrine are metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys.
  8. Myasthenia Gravis: Duragesic Forte tablet is contraindicated in individuals with myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder that causes muscle weakness.
  9. Porphyria: Duragesic Forte tablets should be avoided in individuals with porphyria, a group of rare genetic disorders that affect the nervous system.
  10. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of Duragesic Forte tablets during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well established. It is generally not recommended unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

What is the Recommended Daily Dosage of Duragesic Forte?

Duragesic Tablet Dose for Adults:

  • One tablet is taken every 12 hours or as directed by a healthcare provider.

Duragesic Tablet Dose for Geriatric Patients:

  • The dosage may be lower in elderly patients, as they may be more sensitive to the effects of Orphenadrine.
  • Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage.

Duragesic Tablet Dose for For Children:

  • Duragesic Forte tablet in children is generally not recommended without specific guidance from a pediatrician.
  • Dosages for children, if prescribed, will be based on their age and weight.

How Duragesic Forte Works?

Duragesic Forte is a combination medication that works through the individual mechanisms of its two active ingredients.

  1. Paracetamol (Acetaminophen):
    • Mechanism: Paracetamol works by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX). COX is involved in the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body that promote inflammation, pain, and fever.
    • Action:
      • Pain Relief: By inhibiting COX, Paracetamol reduces the production of prostaglandins, which results in a decrease in pain perception.
      • Fever Reduction: It acts on the temperature-regulating center in the brain, lowering elevated body temperature during fever.
    • Note: Unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, Paracetamol has a weaker anti-inflammatory effect and is primarily used for pain relief and fever reduction.
  2. Orphenadrine:
    • Mechanism: Orphenadrine is a centrally-acting muscle relaxant that works by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It primarily acts on the muscarinic receptors in the brain.
    • Action:
      • Muscle Relaxation: By inhibiting acetylcholine’s action, Orphenadrine helps to relax skeletal muscles and relieve muscle tension or spasms.
    • Note: Orphenadrine’s muscle relaxant properties make it useful in treating conditions where muscle tension or spasms contribute to pain or discomfort.